Earl Skule.
[Looks long at him.] Bishop Nicholas, are you something more or something less than a man?
Bishop Nicholas.
[Smiling.] I am in the state of innocence: I know not good from evil.
Earl Skule.
[Half to himself.] Why did they send me into the world, if they meant not to order it better for me? Håkon has so firm and unswerving a faith in himself—all his men have so firm and unswerving a faith in him——
Bishop Nicholas.
Let it not be seen that you have no such faith in yourself! Speak as though you had it, swear great oaths that you have it—and all will believe you.
Earl Skule.
Had I a son! Had I but a son, to take all the great heritage after me!